American Red Cross, Centennial Chapter

Red Cross activity began in Larimer County, Colorado, when explosive growth of the Red Cross was taking place as Americans rallied to support World War I efforts. Over a thousand Red Cross chapters were chartered that year. March 20 -- A charter was issued to a Larimer County Chapter with headquarters in Fort Collins. This chapter was responsible for all of Larimer County except the city of Loveland (the chapter would assume responsibility for Loveland as well in 1932).

The chapter moved into its current headquarters building. At that time the location was approximately halfway between Fort Collins and Loveland., and the mailing address was a rural box number. In the years since, both cities have crept up on the site. Now, incorporated areas of both Fort Collins and Loveland are visible from the Chapter House at 120 Saturn Drive, Fort Collins.

The chapter celebrated its 75th anniversary with a banquet and address by Gene Dyson of Atlanta, Georgia, a member of the national Red Cross Board of Governors.

The Chapter House was expanded with the addition of two large classrooms and remodeling of existing areas. The new areas were dedicated April 2nd.

A merger with the North Park Chapter and a name change took effect. The North Park Chapter covering Jackson County, Colorado (Walden, Rand, Gould, etc.) requested a merger. Since it appeared unfair to retain the name Larimer County while also serving Jackson County, the Board of Directors asked for the name Centennial Chapter to be assigned. The name pays tribute to the fact that Colorado is the Centennial State -- having been granted statehood on the 100th anniversary of the United States, and because it is the area about which author James Michener wrote in his novel Centennial. (Michener once taught at UNC in Greeley, and the television mini-series adapted from the book was filmed in the local area.)

The chapter continued the process of efficiency by joining a regional grouping with Mile High, Southwest and Western Colorado Chapters. Back office consolidation helped to combine efforts with Human Resources, Information Technology and Finance. The Greeley and Sterling offices were closed during this transition.

Armed Forces Emergency Service (AFES): provides emergency communication between military personnel and their families. Emergency loans and occasional grants are made when the situation requires. Disaster services: trains volunteers and provides emergency services to victims of local and natinal disasters such as local house fires, floods, tornados, etc. Also provides education about disaster preparedness. More than twenty courses in various categories of CPR, first aid, HIV/AIDS prevention.

Disaster Services: trains volunteers and provides emergency services to victims of local and national disasters such as local house fires, floods, tornadoes, etc. Also provides education about disaster preparedness.